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Pakistan

On January 29, UNICEF released its most recent report detailing the plight of millions of children around the world. Afshan Khan, UNICEF director of emergency programs, spoke at the launch, making this point clear, “from deadly natural disasters to brutal conflicts and fast-spreading epidemics, children across the world are facing a new generation of humanitarian crises.”

It’s true that appearances can be deceiving. Let’s consider rickshaws, a three-wheeled motorized taxi commonly used in Pakistan. A rickshaw may look like a creaking box on wheels, but this vehicle does more than just give a ride to fatigued pedestrians.

There is no denying that hostile militant activity, sectarian violence, and political instability have left Pakistan swathed in discontent over the past few years. However, by looking at Pakistan through a despondent narrow light, people restrict themselves from appreciating the region’s innate beauty. Pakistan’s grandeur can be found in its spectacular northern mountain ranges, rich heritage, vibrant culture, delectable food, and a booming art market that has grown to become a foundation of national pride.

Since 1947, Kashmir has been subjected to three full scale wars between India and Pakistan. The last one occurred as the two nations were poised to become nuclear powers. Until the late 80s, the nature of tension in the valley between these full scale battles can be viewed as latent violence. This period was dogged by rigged elections, corruption, dissent, and awry political coalitions, which led to shaky governments. It was in 1989 that the armed militancy broke out.

Short of traveling the world, the best way to learn about other people and cultures is through literature. Yes, yes, yes… the news, nonfiction, movies, and other media are fine conduits for showing us glimpses into the lives of others. But nothing delves into the essential psychology of people like literature does. Nothing can get into the hearts and minds of the beautiful and dastardly people of this world like good fiction.

This powerful panel, during the second session of Left Forum, dealt with the historical and ongoing struggle for equality and rights of Afghan and Pakistani women. After the viewing of Kathleen Foster’s documentary on the subject, Fahima Vorgetts of Afghan Women’s Fund and Dr.

In November of last year, NATO held its strategic summit in Lisbon, Portugal. Marie Mainil joined young leaders from around the world at a parallel venture. At The Young Atlanticists Summit, the next generation of leadership tackled the same issues as their NATO counterparts, and was able to query world leaders like Ban Ki-moon and General David Petraeus. Here is Marie's sketch of the events.